Griffin Davies1, James Balthazor2*
Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) is a major pest of Fabaceae (legume) crops, causing direct feeding damage and transmitting plant diseases. Conventional control relies on broad-spectrum insecticides and natural enemies, both of which can harm non-target organisms and ecosystems. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising, species-specific alternative by silencing essential genes via double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This study targeted two heat shock protein Genes-Heat Shock 70 kDa Protein 1-Like (HSPA1L) and Heat Shock Protein 90 kDa beta (Grp94) Member 1 (HSP90B1)-key players in protein folding, quality control, and stress response within the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathway. These chaperones stabilize proteins, assist in folding newly synthesized polypeptides, and target misfolded proteins for degradation. Silencing these genes was hypothesized to cause accumulation of misfolded proteins, triggering Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, UPR overload, and ultimately apoptosis, leading to aphid mortality.
Total RNA was extracted from adult pea aphids, reverse-transcribed to cDNA, and used to synthesize gene-specific dsRNAs for HSPA1L and HSP90B1. These dsRNAs were encapsulated in Branched-Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules (BAPCs) and delivered orally at concentrations of 10 ng/µL and 100 ng/µL via artificial diet feeding. Survival was monitored every 6 hours for 48 hours on dsRNA diet, followed by transfer to healthy faba bean leaves. Preliminary studies indicated positive correlations between gene knockdown and elevated mortality. Results demonstrated significantly reduced survival in treated groups compared to controls at both concentrations (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank p<0.001), supporting the induction of apoptosis. This approach highlights the potential of UPR-targeted RNAi for eco-friendly, targeted pest control.
Published Date: 2026-02-06; Received Date: 2026-01-07
